
Panaji, the capital of Goa, features a fantastic riverfront along the Mandovi River, which flows past the city and into the Arabian Sea. Lining the promenade are some of Panaji’s most iconic and historically significant buildings.
One of them – the structure known as "Old Secretariat" – is the oldest surviving building in the city. It was built by then ruler Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur around 1500 and is said to have served as his summer palace. The structure is believed to have had a salt water moat and an arsenal of several dozen cannons for its defense.
A bit about its history: In 1510, Adil Shah’s forces were defeated by Portuguese forces led by Afonso de Albuquerque during the Portuguese conquest of Goa. Thereafter, the palace was used as a rest house for visiting Portuguese Viceroys. Adil Shah’s Palace was called the ‘Idalcao Palace’ by the Portuguese.
Eventually, when the capital moved from Old Goa to Panaji, Adil Shah’s Palace became the official residence of the Portuguese Viceroys. Later, the residence was shifted to Cabo Palace near Dona Paula, which is at the southern end of Panaji.
After Goa’s liberation in 1961, Adil Shah’s Palace served as Goa’s Secretariat Building, or its legislature. During recent times, a new Secretariat Building was built at Porvorim, and the Legislative Assembly was shifted there. Hence, today, Adil Shah’s Palace is popularly known as the "Old Secretariat."
In current times, the Old Secretariat houses the Goa State Museum. The Museum houses a number of ancient relics such as statues, stone inscriptions, old lottery draw machines and old printing machines.

It's nice that I had an actual LEGO bit of yellow fleece-like cloth from some random set or other lying around. I think it was from one of the Harry Potter sets. It wasn't meant to be a Golden Fleece, but it works so well as one.
2025-07-01 Rerun commentary: It would have been even better if it had a ram's head attached to it, though. The "giant slug" punchline is a reference to Jabba the Hutt, in case that went over anyone's heads. Monty's "Wait... I know that laugh..." is a quote from Han Solo in the scene immediately after he is released from carbon freeze in Jabba's palace. (And of course Monty is a parody of Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford, who also played Han Solo, thus completing the referential loop.)

Up betimes, and to my office, where I found Griffen’s girl making it clean, but, God forgive me! what a mind I had to her, but did not meddle with her. She being gone, I fell upon boring holes for me to see from my closet into the great office, without going forth, wherein I please myself much.
So settled to business, and at noon with my wife to the Wardrobe, and there dined, and staid talking all the afternoon with my Lord, and about four o’clock took coach with my wife and Lady, and went toward my house, calling at my Lady Carteret’s, who was within by chance (she keeping altogether at Deptford for a month or two), and so we sat with her a little. Among other things told my Lady how my Lady Fanshaw is fallen out with her only for speaking in behalf of the French, which my Lady wonders at, they having been formerly like sisters, but we see there is no true lasting friendship in the world.
Thence to my house, where I took great pride to lead her through the Court by the hand, she being very fine, and her page carrying up her train.
She staid a little at my house, and then walked through the garden, and took water, and went first on board the King’s pleasure boat, which pleased her much. Then to Greenwich Park; and with much ado she was able to walk up to the top of the hill, and so down again, and took boat, and so through bridge to Blackfryers, and home, she being much pleased with the ramble in every particular of it. So we supped with her, and then walked home, and to bed.
Observations
This I take to be as bad a juncture as ever I observed. The King and his new Queen minding their pleasures at Hampton Court. All people discontented; some that the King do not gratify them enough; and the others, Fanatiques of all sorts, that the King do take away their liberty of conscience; and the height of the Bishops, who I fear will ruin all again. They do much cry up the manner of Sir H. Vane’s death, and he deserves it. They clamour against the chimney-money, and say they will not pay it without force. And in the mean time, like to have war abroad; and Portugall to assist, when we have not money to pay for any ordinary layings-out at home.
Myself all in dirt about building of my house and Sir W. Batten’s a story higher. Into a good way, fallen on minding my business and saving money, which God encrease; and I do take great delight in it, and see the benefit of it. In a longing mind of going to see Brampton, but cannot get three days time, do what I can.
In very good health, my wife and myself.